Pulimurugan cinematographer Shaji Kumar dies at 57

Renowned cinematographer Shaji Kumar, known for his work in several commercially successful films, has died at the age of 57.

He was working on the sets of a Dileep-starrer when he complained of discomfort and was rushed to a nearby hospital in Kochi, where he died.

Shaji Kumar’s sudden death has left the Malayalam film industry in shock, with filmmakers and colleagues mourning his loss.

He began his career as an assistant to cinematographer Vipin Mohan before establishing himself as a sought-after director of photography. His filmography includes Naran, Pulimurugan, Pokkiri Raja, Odiyan, Madhura Raja, Ramaleela, Vellinakshatram, Robin Hood and Thudarum.

His association with director Vysakh produced several commercial successes, including the Mohanlal-starrer Pulimurugan (2016), which became the first Malayalam film to cross the Rs 100-crore mark at the box office.

Shaji Kumar also worked across genres, with credits including Veruthe Oru Bharya, Seniors, Mallusingh, Sound Thoma, Ring Master, Cousins and Pathonpatham Noottandu.

Having started his career when films were shot on celluloid, he successfully adapted to digital cinematography. He was known for his technical expertise and visual style, particularly in lighting, colour composition and framing.

He worked with several generations of filmmakers, including Joshiy, Shaji Kailas, V M Vinu, M Padmakumar, Vysakh and Tarun Moorthy. His recent work included the Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum (2025).

The upcoming Mohanlal film Athimanoharam and Suresh Gopi’s Ottakkomban were among his last projects.

Shaji Kumar began working as an independent cinematographer with films such as Uthaman in 2001. His career spanned Malayalam, Tamil, and other South Indian productions.

The FEFKA Directors’ Union expressed condolences over his death, paying tribute to his contribution to Malayalam cinema.